Precious Metal BAu-2 vs BVAu-4
Precious Metal · grade comparison
Precious Metal BAu-2 and BVAu-4 are both precious metal grades. BVAu-4 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 260 MPa (37.7 ksi) against 200 MPa (29 ksi) for BAu-2, about 30% more; tensile strength follows at 400 MPa (58 ksi) vs 380 MPa (55.1 ksi). In exchange, BAu-2 is the more ductile: elongation 30% versus 10% for BVAu-4, and BAu-2 is harder (145 HV vs 130 HV). BVAu-4 is stiffer (115 GPa vs 90 GPa) and BVAu-4 runs hotter in service (800°C vs 400°C continuous). On the shop floor, BAu-2 welds better (good vs fair).
BAu-2Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when it will be welded.
BVAu-4Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.
BAu-2 vs BVAu-4: propertiesHow to read these bars
- One bar per material. A full bar is the highest value among all precious metal grades in the FabDigit library; each bar is drawn as a share of that.
- The better value (by the usual engineering direction) is in bold. Rows with no direction — density, thermal conductivity — have no bold.
- Values are typical room-temperature figures for the condition named on each card.
- Confirm against the certified mill or resin datasheet before design release.
How to read these bars
- One bar per material. A full bar is the highest value among all precious metal grades in the FabDigit library; each bar is drawn as a share of that.
- The better value (by the usual engineering direction) is in bold. Rows with no direction — density, thermal conductivity — have no bold.
- Values are typical room-temperature figures for the condition named on each card.
- Confirm against the certified mill or resin datasheet before design release.
Mechanical
Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.
Elastic (Young's) Modulus
Shear Modulus
Bulk Modulus
Poisson's Ratio
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Reduction in Area
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell B
Hardness, Vickers
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Melting Point (Solidus)
Liquidus Temperature
Same in both: Density 15.9 g/cm³0.57 lb/in³
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Specific Heat Capacity
Latent Heat of Fusion
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 15.5 µm/m·K8.6 µin/in·°F · Min Service Temperature -269°C-452 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Conductivity
Electrical Resistivity
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Corrosion Resistance
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) 0.25 V
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Polishability
Same in both: Machinability 35 / 100 · Castability 80 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 98 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Typical Recycled Content
Same in both: Embodied Water 200,000 L/kg23,965 gal/lb
Common Calculations
Ratios derived from the values above.
Specific Strength (UTS / density)
Specific Stiffness (E / density)
Modulus of Resilience
Thermal Diffusivity
Thermal Shock Resistance Index
Strength versus weight
Yield strength against density for every precious metal grade in the FabDigit library; the compared grades are highlighted. Up and left is stronger for its weight.
Manufacturing and finishing
| Capability | BAu-2 | BVAu-4 |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
BAu-2 vs BVAu-4 — frequently asked
Is BVAu-4 stronger than BAu-2?
Yes. BVAu-4 has a typical yield strength of 260 MPa (37.7 ksi) against 200 MPa (29 ksi) for BAu-2 — about 30% more. Tensile strength is 400 MPa (58 ksi) vs 380 MPa (55.1 ksi).
Which is cheaper, BAu-2 or BVAu-4?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$$, high); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
Which welds better, BAu-2 or BVAu-4?
BAu-2. Its weldability rates good (55/100) against fair (40/100) for BVAu-4.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in BAu-2 and BVAu-4 side by side — material, machining time, tolerance and finish in one quote. Certified material data ships with the order on request.
Typical handbook values for the conditions named above, normalised for comparison. Hardness on non-Brinell scales is converted approximately for charting only. Request certified data with your order for design-critical properties.